The Vocalion OrganThe Vocalion Organ

A Historical Overview.A Historical Overview.– Roots in England with James Baille HamiltonRoots in England with James Baille Hamilton– Introduced In Worcester, MA. 1885Introduced In Worcester, MA. 1885– Hamlton Vocalion Mfg. Co. 1886Hamlton Vocalion Mfg. Co. 1886– Mason & Risch New York-Worcester 1890Mason & Risch New York-Worcester 1890– Aeolian Ownership 1903Aeolian Ownership 1903– Demise 1910Demise 1910

Special Features of VocalionsSpecial Features of VocalionsThat Sets Them Apart From All OthersThat Sets Them Apart From All Others

Vocalions operate on pressure/positive windVocalions operate on pressure/positive wind Reeds are large scaled, for the most part.Reeds are large scaled, for the most part. All reeds of a particular note are winded All reeds of a particular note are winded

(speak) from a common channel as in a pipe (speak) from a common channel as in a pipe organ with slider chestsorgan with slider chests

All stops are fitted with qualifying All stops are fitted with qualifying chambers (tubes) of differing dimensions chambers (tubes) of differing dimensions based upon a particular sound desired.based upon a particular sound desired.

Tone holes can be opened or closed at willTone holes can be opened or closed at will

Attributes of Special FeaturesAttributes of Special Features

Pressure generated tone projects from the Pressure generated tone projects from the organ case. Suction generated tone remains organ case. Suction generated tone remains “localized”.“localized”.

Large scaled reeds in conjunction w/QTs Large scaled reeds in conjunction w/QTs Produce broad-bodied tonal effects.Produce broad-bodied tonal effects. Manipulation of tone holes makes valid Manipulation of tone holes makes valid

“regulation” possible.“regulation” possible. Reeds on a common channel are speech Reeds on a common channel are speech

synchronized.synchronized.

A Tracker Actioned InstrumentA Tracker Actioned Instrument

Large scaled reeds require a chest that is Large scaled reeds require a chest that is wider than the keyboard.wider than the keyboard.

Typical pump organs are of key-scale Typical pump organs are of key-scale design. Valves are acted upon via pitman design. Valves are acted upon via pitman rods located beneath the keys.rods located beneath the keys.

Vocalions utilize a traditional backfall Vocalions utilize a traditional backfall mechanism to spread the key scale to that of mechanism to spread the key scale to that of the chest. Connections are via trackers.the chest. Connections are via trackers.

Musical ValuesMusical Values

The long note pallets and associated square rail The long note pallets and associated square rail produce the authentic “pluck” that is characteristic produce the authentic “pluck” that is characteristic of mechanical actioned pipe organs.of mechanical actioned pipe organs.

Diverse and diffused tonal egress as well as Diverse and diffused tonal egress as well as variety of sound make for valid registrational variety of sound make for valid registrational changes.changes.

Octave Coupler brightens the overall sound.Octave Coupler brightens the overall sound. Composition pedals allow crescendo/diminuendo.Composition pedals allow crescendo/diminuendo.

The Vocalion AwakeningThe Vocalion Awakening My first Vocalion Experience, age 11 at My first Vocalion Experience, age 11 at

Elks Memorial Service in Troy, NY. 1949Elks Memorial Service in Troy, NY. 1949 Repair of 17 rank at age 23, Stephentown, Repair of 17 rank at age 23, Stephentown,

NY.1961NY.1961 Acquisition of 9 rank Vocalion from a Acquisition of 9 rank Vocalion from a

farmer’s porch. 1985farmer’s porch. 1985 Stephentown Vocalion revisited and Stephentown Vocalion revisited and

restored for new owner in 1989restored for new owner in 1989

The Vocalion GroupThe Vocalion Group

More Vocalions came to COC for More Vocalions came to COC for restoration. Calls from out of town seeking restoration. Calls from out of town seeking help.help.

Rockwood Vocalion on Cape Cod and Rockwood Vocalion on Cape Cod and personal acquisition of my Vocalion in personal acquisition of my Vocalion in 2004 posed a question. How many were 2004 posed a question. How many were there and where are the extant ones?there and where are the extant ones?

The Vocalion Group was formed in Nov 05.The Vocalion Group was formed in Nov 05.

Sources of InformationSources of Information

Existing lists from COC, Keith Existing lists from COC, Keith Williams,Jim Tyler and Jim Bratton.Williams,Jim Tyler and Jim Bratton.

Volunteer info from England, Holland, Volunteer info from England, Holland, Germany and Australia.Germany and Australia.

Periodicals and advertisements.Periodicals and advertisements. Unsolicited EmailsUnsolicited Emails

Status Quo and Where to Go?Status Quo and Where to Go?

There have been 283 Vocalions identified There have been 283 Vocalions identified since the founding of the Vocalion Group.since the founding of the Vocalion Group.

Lowest number is 546; highest is 7420Lowest number is 546; highest is 7420 We will keep it alive until? We will keep it alive until? Info remains for someone else to develop as Info remains for someone else to develop as

more information is uncovered in the future. more information is uncovered in the future.